Pioneering Lesbian Filmmaker, Publisher Deborah Sundahl Passes

Pioneering Lesbian Filmmaker, Publisher Deborah Sundahl Passes

LOS ANGELES — Deborah Sundahl, the founder of Fatale Video and co-founder of the influential lesbian magazine On Our Backs, passed away on June 13.

According to an email shared by her son, Aaron, Sundahl succumbed to a rare form of cancer, which was recently diagnosed.

Sundahl, along with business partner Nan Kinney, created explicit lesbian videos starting in 1992 under the names Blush Entertainment and Fatale Video. Breakthrough films such as "Clips" and "Suburban Dykes" featured realistic depictions of the butch/femme dynamic, which set the duo apart from other contemporaries.

"Often, the women were self-identified lesbians in real life and felt their work contributed to the acceptance of lesbian women and their sex-positive lives," noted a rep.

Under the name Fanny Fatale, Sundahl co-founded On Our Backs in 1984 with Myrna Elana. The magazine was published through 2006 and over the years featured author Susie Bright, photographer Honey Lee Cottrell and others. On Our Backs is described as having "pioneered lesbian sex-positive feminism and defined the movement in the mid-'80s through the mid-'90s by publishing explicit photos and erotica."

In 1992, Sundahl released her first educational video, “How to Female Ejaculate,” which featured descriptions and an anatomical breakdown of how female ejaculation happens, followed by a demonstration. She subsequently published several books on female ejaculation and taught the subject at in-person workshops internationally.

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover hospice, memorial and legacy costs.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Emma Rosie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Emma Rosie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Zariah Aura in "Trick or Treating Ourselves."

Transfixed Debuts Bree Miller Drama 'MILF Oasis'

Transfixed has released the Bree Mills-helmed drama “MILF Oasis.”

Sweet Sinner Releases 6th Volume of 'MILF Pact'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Bunny Madison, Katrina Colt, and Little Puck in the sixth volume of "MILLF Pact," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Hime Marie Leads Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Hime Marie returns to Hookup Hotshot for a new scene featuring Nade Nasty.

Angelica Heaven Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Angelica Heaven stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside Terry Banks, Matt Bird, Rob Hudson, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Payton Preslee Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Payton Preslee and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Jade Venus, Aubrey Kate Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Jade Venus and Aubrey Kate star in a scene from Evil Angel titled “TS Aubrey & TS Jade Do 3 Uniformed Men.”

Jonni Darkko Drops New Evil Angel Blowbang With Connie Perignon

Connie Perignon stars in the latest Evil Angel blowbang release from director Jonni Darkko.

Octokuro, Matty Mila Lead Latest From Parasited

Octokuro and Matty Mila star in “Respawn” from Parasited.

Lilly Bell Fronts Latest From Blacked Raw

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars with Chocolate Rod in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More